Dr.​ Michael G Kozak has been instrumental in introducing new technology at High Schools, STEAM program, has been supportive of sports and special education to our children. Under his leadership, Monroe Township school district has introduced digital learning at High School and has plans to bring in digital learning at Middle and Elementary schools. Dr. Kozak has the vision to give our children the tools that will equip them to compete for entry into the best colleges, and be ready for global completion. During Dr. Kozak’s tenure, the Monroe Township High School has moved up the ranks to be the second best in Middlesex County for 2016-2017 as per the NJ Department of Education (Ref: http://www.nj.com/education/2018/01/nj_rated_every_school_on_a_1-100_scale_see_the_res.html#tool Over the past 5 years, Monroe Township has seen exponential growth in school enrollment, and has a critical referendum coming up on March 13, 2018 to build a new Middle school. In this context, Dr. Kozak’s leadership is even more critical than before.

Given this background, we the citizens of Monroe Township, NJ were shocked and disappointed when Dr. Kozak unexpectedly submitted his resignation at the December 2017 Board of Education (BOE) meeting. There was no open discussion or deliberation with the public on the day of the resignation, or earlier. There are ten members on the BOE, many of whom did not attend on the day of the resignation. The resignation was accepted without much discussion or deliberation by four of the seven attending BOE members which constitute a minority of the BOE.

Dr. Kozak has been with Monroe Township School District for about two and half (2 ½) years. Our members and township residents have been attending BOE meetings regularly during this period. During Dr. Kozak's tenure with Monroe Twp School District, there was never a negative comment about Dr. Kozak’s performance. Given this background, the sudden resignation, and immediate acceptance by the BOE was surprising and disappointing as till date, all the members of BOE have given positive feedback about Dr. Kozak.

Further, during the BOE public forum on January 24, 2018, the vast majority of the taxpaying residents, and teaching staff of Monroe Township have requested the BOE to reconsider the contract extension for Dr. Kozak. The BOE issued a statement that they cannot give details of the reasons for Dr. Kozak’s resignation as the terms of his employment contract are confidential.

​​We as tax payers and the people who pay for the education system,​and elect the Board Members to serve as TRUSTEE would like to know the facts on why DR. Kozak’s contract is not being renewed. We have reasons to believe Dr. Kozak had to resign under duress.

Given this situation, we request the Board of Education to lay out all the facts behind Dr. Kozak’s resignation. We demand full transparency behind Dr. Kozak’s resignation. We can no longer accept the confidential agreement as a valid excuse for this lack of transparency. We demand BOE to reconsider Dr. Kozak’s resignation, and extend his contract for another term well past the referendum.

​NOTE: We welcome everyone to sign the petition. If you are an Alumni of Monroe Township School District, Parent of a student in Monroe Township School District, Monroe Township Resident, or an educator in Monroe Township please include this information in the petition.